AP Environmental Science — Unit 1: The Living World: Ecosystems

Q1. (ID: ap_environmental_science_MCQ_U1S13Q1)
Create a clean line graph titled
The graph shows how the population size of a species changes with the availability of a critical resource. At which point on the curve is the population growth rate highest?
Q2. (ID: ap_environmental_science_MCQ_U1S13Q2)
Which of the following describes a situation where two species compete for the same limited resource?
Q3. (ID: ap_environmental_science_MCQ_U1S13Q3)
Create a climograph with two y-axes. The left y-axis is labeled
Based on the climograph, which biome is most likely represented by these temperature and precipitation patterns?
Q4. (ID: ap_environmental_science_MCQ_U1S13Q4)
Which terrestrial biome is characterized by permafrost, low-growing vegetation, and very cold temperatures?
Q5. (ID: ap_environmental_science_MCQ_U1S13Q5)
Create a simplified diagram of ocean zones. Show a cross-section of the ocean from the surface to the seafloor. Divide the water column horizontally into two main zones: an upper zone labeled
The diagram illustrates different zones in an aquatic environment. Which zone is most likely to be characterized by high light penetration and high primary productivity?
Q6. (ID: ap_environmental_science_MCQ_U1S13Q6)
Coral reefs are highly biodiverse aquatic biomes that are sensitive to changes in ocean temperature and acidity. Which characteristic primarily defines coral reefs?
Q7. (ID: ap_environmental_science_MCQ_U1S13Q7)
Create a simplified diagram of the global carbon cycle. Show major reservoirs as labeled boxes:
Which of the following processes in the carbon cycle is primarily responsible for transferring carbon from the atmosphere to terrestrial biomass?
Q8. (ID: ap_environmental_science_MCQ_U1S13Q8)
Carbon is stored in various forms within the Earth system. Which of the following is the largest carbon reservoir?
Q9. (ID: ap_environmental_science_MCQ_U1S13Q9)
Create a diagram illustrating the nitrogen cycle. Show
Which process in the nitrogen cycle converts atmospheric nitrogen gas ($N_2$) into ammonia ($NH_3$) or ammonium ($NH_4^+$) that can be used by plants?
Q10. (ID: ap_environmental_science_MCQ_U1S13Q10)
Which process converts ammonia ($NH_3$) and ammonium ($NH_4^+$) into nitrites ($NO_2^-$) and then nitrates ($NO_3^-$) in the soil?
Q11. (ID: ap_environmental_science_MCQ_U1S13Q11)
Create a simplified diagram of the phosphorus cycle. Show major reservoirs as labeled boxes:
Which of the following processes is crucial for the initial release of phosphorus from its largest reservoir?
Q12. (ID: ap_environmental_science_MCQ_U1S13Q12)
A key difference between the phosphorus cycle and the nitrogen or carbon cycles is that the phosphorus cycle does NOT typically include a significant _____.
Q13. (ID: ap_environmental_science_MCQ_U1S13Q13)
Which of the following organisms converts solar energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis?
Q14. (ID: ap_environmental_science_MCQ_U1S13Q14)
Create a bar chart showing the approximate net primary productivity (NPP) for four different ecosystems. The y-axis is labeled
The graph illustrates the primary productivity of different ecosystems. Which ecosystem shows the highest rate of net primary productivity (NPP)?
Q15. (ID: ap_environmental_science_MCQ_U1S13Q15)
Create a simple food web diagram. Include the following organisms and show energy flow with arrows: Grass (producer). Mouse (eats grass). Rabbit (eats grass). Snake (eats mouse and rabbit). Hawk (eats snake, mouse, and rabbit). Fox (eats rabbit, mouse, and snake). Make sure the arrows point from the organism being eaten to the organism that eats it. For example, Mouse"." class="generated-image" />
In the given food web, which organism functions as both a primary and secondary consumer?
Q16. (ID: ap_environmental_science_MCQ_U1S13Q16)
Which of the following organisms plays a crucial role in breaking down dead organic matter and returning nutrients to the soil?
Q17. (ID: ap_environmental_science_MCQ_U1S13Q17)
If a food chain begins with 200,000 kcal of energy at the producer level, how much energy would be available to the secondary consumers, assuming a 10% energy transfer efficiency at each trophic level?
Q18. (ID: ap_environmental_science_MCQ_U1S13Q18)
Create a simple ecological pyramid of energy. Label four trophic levels vertically from bottom to top:
If the producers in this ecosystem have 1,000,000 Joules (J) of energy, approximately how much energy would be available to the Tertiary Consumers?
Q19. (ID: ap_environmental_science_MCQ_U1S13Q19)
Create a simple aquatic food web diagram. Include the following organisms and show energy flow with arrows: Phytoplankton (producer). Zooplankton (eats phytoplankton). Small fish (eats zooplankton). Large fish (eats small fish). Crab (eats phytoplankton and detritus). Algae (producer). Sea urchin (eats algae). Otter (eats sea urchin and small fish). Make sure arrows point from the organism being eaten to the organism that eats it.
In the aquatic food web shown, which organism is correctly identified as a primary consumer?
Q20. (ID: ap_environmental_science_MCQ_U1S13Q20)
Create a world map showing continents and oceans. Label four distinct regions with capital letters: Label A on the northwest coast of North America (e.g., coastal British Columbia/Alaska). Label B in the Sahara Desert region of North Africa. Label C in the central Amazon Basin of South America. Label D in the interior of Australia. Use a standard projection.
Which letter on the map most likely represents the location of a temperate rainforest biome?
Q21. (ID: ap_environmental_science_MCQ_U1S13Q21)
Create a bar chart showing the percentage contribution of different human activities to global carbon emissions. The y-axis is labeled
Human activities significantly impact the carbon cycle. Which of the following is a major human activity that contributes to an increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide?
Q22. (ID: ap_environmental_science_MCQ_U1S13Q22)
Create a diagram illustrating the impact of agricultural runoff on an aquatic ecosystem. Show a farm field adjacent to a body of water (e.g., a lake or river). Include an arrow labeled
Agricultural runoff containing excess nitrates can lead to which of the following environmental problems?
Q23. (ID: ap_environmental_science_MCQ_U1S13Q23)
A species that has a disproportionately large effect on its ecosystem relative to its abundance is known as a(n) _____.
Q24. (ID: ap_environmental_science_MCQ_U1S13Q24)
What is the primary role of detritivores and decomposers in an ecosystem?
Q25. (ID: ap_environmental_science_MCQ_U1S13Q25)
Which of the following biomes is characterized by permafrost, low-growing vegetation, and a short growing season?

Answer Key

1. B
2. A
3. C
4. D
5. B
6. C
7. A
8. B
9. C
10. A
11. D
12. B
13. A
14. A
15. B
16. D
17. A
18. D
19. A
20. A
21. C
22. D
23. B
24. C
25. A